Blackberry

I have been practicing FMQ on my Singer 301A but I can't seem to get the stitches just right. I first had trouble with the darning foot that I was using until I read on Sew-Classic's website (don't you just love that website) that the last needle thread guide would need to be removed for my foot to work properly so I did that and it did work much better but the stitches are still not right. They just don't look like the ones on my Singer 15-91. I figure someone in this department of QB would be able to point me in the right direction.

Candace

You'll have to adjust your tension. You don't state if these photos are of the top or bottom of the fabric, but make sure it's threaded per the manual and use the tension dial.

Blackberry

These are the top of the fabric but the bottom doesn't look much better

quilter711

I have found on my 301's that they do better for fmq if you set the stitch length to zero and leave the feed dogs up....this works like a charm for me! Good luck and let us know how you make out and if your problem gets solved.

ckcowl

are you using the same thread in the top & the bobbin? your problem is a tension issue- perhaps start with re-threading completely from the spool - take the bobbin out & re-insert- making sure it is in correctly- then slowly start adjusting your top tension to get it even with your bobbin tension- you may need to tighten your bobbin tension too- and---do you have a new needle in? are you lowering your foot- sometimes when using the darning foot it's easy to forget to lower it-since it rides above the fabric- that can really cause a mess-

deedum

yep tension issue

Blackberry

Well, I just took off the FMQ foot and put back on the regular foot and now it sews just fine. Very nice stitches. Do any of you know why the tension needs to be adjusted when you do FMQd when it is working just fine on regular sewing. Just wondering. I did put in a new needle but I haven't yet rethreaded the whole machine and bobbin. Will try that next.

Candace

I usually have to change the tension a notch or so when doing FMQing. You need to follow all the above suggestions about stitch length etc.

SunlitenSmiles

BE SURE to lower the presser foot ! and stitch length should be neutral half way between forward and reverse

Hummer Lady

I had to adjust the tension on the bobbin case on my 301. I used the darning foot out of the package, with no altering from April 1930's, feed dogs lowered, and presser foot down, and got excellent results.. Before adjusting bobbin case tension, all adjustments to the upper thread tension made no difference...I was getting loops and skipped stitches. Love the 301 for FMQ!